A Vision for Uptown
Workshop Two
During the second workshop, we showed three alternatives of what Uptown could be in the future, based on public feedback, placemaking elements, market opportunities, and existing conditions.
The workshop included a brief presentation, then breakout activities to explore these three alternatives and more.
What is UptownNEXT?
UptownNEXT is a publicly-driven process to shape the future of an area that is located in the very heart of Clemson, with the potential to be something truly special.
The ClemsonNEXT Strategic Plan identified the area near the intersection of College & Tiger, as well as Abernathy Park, as an area for special community focus. Working with the people of Clemson, this effort will create a district framework plan that identifies community-supported uses & other desired improvements in the area.
Watch this two-minute video to learn: what is UptownNEXT, where is Uptown, and how to participate!
The Process
UptownNEXT will have plenty of ways for the people of Clemson to particpate: three public workshops, online surveys, and much, much more.
Workshop One
During the first workshop, we kicked off the process and asked for your input on all sorts of questions: What is your experience of this place today? What do you want it to be in the future? Should this place be better-connected and accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, and others? What type of development should be encouraged? What trade-offs are you willing to consider to balance development and public amenities? Where could we create spaces for community gathering?
The workshop included a brief presentation, then breakout activities to explore these questions and more.
FAQ
Where exactly is Uptown?
While precise boundaries will be determined during this process, Uptown is generally defined as the area north of downtown, west of College Avenue, South of Tiger Boulevard, and east of Lake Hartwell, and includes Abernathy Park.
Why are we focused on this area?
The ClemsonNEXT strategic plan identified this area as one with special opportunity, based input from the public, city officials, property owners, business leaders, and the planning consultant. With a university main street (College Avenue) on one side and a waterfront park on the other, Uptown could become something truly unique and special. With a state highway (Tiger Boulevard) to the north and high property values under private ownership, it is also a highly complex and challenging place that will require intentional effort and cooperation in order to realize its potential.
How can I get involved?
There are many ways to get involved, including attending public workshops, and participating virtually through the UptownNEXT website. Please subscribe to the email list for updates on when and how to participate, and also follow us on facebook and Instagram.
What is a development framework?
A development framework lays the groundwork for the physical transformation of a space through the construction of buildings, roads, and public spaces. It is publicly-driven in that the people of Clemson will be asked to contribute ideas of what they would like to occur to in this area. Importantly, it also reconciles community vision with private landownership, land economics, and property rights.
In other words, the final product will not be a set of “pretty pictures” that are unworkable; rather it strives to find the best possible compromise between community needs and practical realities. This places a heightened importance on public engagement because the planning team will need to hear from the community to understand what its top priorities are.